The MP for Burton and chairman of the All-Party parliamentary Beer group Andrew Griffiths said he was “stunned” when Chancellor George Osborne revealed plans to scrap the beer duty escalator and cut duty by 1p.

Griffiths has been campaigning for the abolition of the beer duty escalator and last year secured a debate
on the issue in the House of Commons after an industry campaign achieved 100,000 signatures
on an e-petition on the issue.

Speaking exclusively to the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, Griffiths said: “I was stunned. I was always hopeful we could scrap the beer duty escalator the case was so strong. But for the Chancellor to think lets give the brewing industry a boost by cutting duty is just amazing and fantastic.

“It shows what we can do when the industry unites and comes together.”

"It exceeded our wildest expectations. There were so many people that said there was no chance of stopping the beer duty escalator. I don’t think anyone even in their wildest fantasies thought we could get a cut in duty. I think it really is the best budget for brewing in generations.”

George Osborne announces that Labour's beer duty escalator is to be scrapped and beer duty CUT by a penny.Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!

Griffiths explained that he called the House of Commons library and asked the Treasury desk for details of the last time duty had been cut. The response he received was “not in living memory”, however the date has been mooted at 1959.

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The MP for Burton and chairman of the All-Party parliamentary Beer group Andrew Griffiths said he was “stunned” when Chancellor George Osborne revealed plans to scrap the beer duty escalator and cut duty by 1p.